CHAPTER 14
IT DIDN’T TAKE LONG to find the source of the rumbling noise. They passed the main corridor lined with barrels, jugs of all sizes, and hanging herbs before entering a wide workroom.
Lenore froze mid-step.
The upright form of a werewolf loomed ahead, a low growl rumbling in his chest—the spitting image of the beasts inked into the pages of books back in Arkhaven, warning all to flee.
The werewolf’s elongated fingers were equipped with claws that could easily shred flesh into ribbons. Lenore imagined his rows of teeth stained with the blood of his enemies. His hulking figure made her feel like an ant—one pounce away from being crushed completely.
With his claws raised to his shoulders, the werewolf leaned back as he roared, “WHERE IS MY GOOD KNIIIIIIIIFE—oh there it is.” He fished a large butcher’s knife out of a nearby sink, turning on the faucet to start cleaning it off.
“I’m back,” Brynn announced, placing her hands on Lenore’s shoulders. “And with a new face!”
“Cooled ya head enough, did ya?” The dark-gray werewolf shook his knife over the sink, spraying droplets of water down into the drain. He fetched a towel, wiping it off as he looked over at the women. Pale green eyes met Lenore’s and lingered there. “You’re the new one, eh?”
Lenore couldn’t find her voice. She paled. A cold tingle ached across her scar. It intensified for a moment longer, enough for Lenore’s jaws to tighten.
Brynn noticed the paling of Lenore’s skin, frowned, then said, “Ryker, she’s not used to seeing this werewolf form. You’re scaring her!”
Her words pulled Lenore out of her frozen stupor. She quickly shook her head. “N-no, it’s fine, really,” she whispered. “I’m only getting over the initial shock, that’s all.” Her fingers grasped her right arm and gently squeezed. “Um, nice to meet you. I’m—”
“Yeah, I know already. It’s Lenore. The talk of the pack,” Ryker said. He began sharpening his knife against a steel rod, the metal clashing with a resonating tang. “A Lucyn-turned werewolf.”
Lucyn. Lenore heard that word multiple times now. It was clearly tied with something negative because Brynn glanced away, her posture shifting uncomfortably. But Ryker remained unfazed, looking over his knife as he hummed to himself.
“That doesn’t bother you?” Lenore asked quietly. Ryker paused, actions slowing as he looked her way once more.
“Well, you’re one of us now... right?” His lips pulled back into a grin, each sharp canine gleaming under the light. “So what’s there to be bothered about?”
His acceptance brought relief to Lenore. She smiled. “It’s still a bit hard for me to realize I’m a werewolf,” she admitted.
“Still coming around to it, I see.” Ryker chuckled, a hearty rumble that lit the atmosphere with a rich warmth. “Can’t blame ya, newblood.”
“You’ve already got through your first night here though!” Brynn beamed and gave her a pat on the shoulder. “How do you like your new place by the way?”
Lenore perked up. “Oh, actually—”
“WHERE ARE THE SAUSAGE CASINGS?!” Ryker roared again, diverting the conversation completely as he distracted himself by shoving a mess of kitchen tools across a large semicircle counter. “WHERE’S THE DAMN LARD POT?!”
“And this is why I had to go out and take a breather,” Brynn said, rolling her eyes lightheartedly.
She shook her head as she joined the werewolf behind the counter.
Her gaze swept across the area, taking note of where everything was.
“It’s always absolute chaos when you’re on shift.
Which is awful, since it’s almost all the time.
” In a few swift movements, she hauled a large pot onto the stove.
“I’ll get started on rendering the fat.”
“Bah.” Ryker waved his hand dismissively. “I’m the best butcher there is. The rest of ya get to deal with the organizing.” Without looking up, he called out to Lenore. “Nyven, what do you hafta offer?”
“Oh—um.” Lenore walked up to the counter, eyes searching for an empty spot, a difficult endeavor on its own.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll just—” She pushed aside a bowl of bones that had been cut into chunks.
The rabbit Edmund caught for her was carefully placed down after.
She slowly peeked up at him, hoping Ryker wouldn’t scrutinize it.
“Is this a good enough gift for the Caernith?”
Lenore flinched when Ryker’s claws swiped up the rabbit in a rough manner. Dangling it in the air, the butcher eyed it down before letting out an amused grunt. “One rabbit? This could make a small, sad burger for a single gnome.”
“... And perhaps a nice pair of gloves for the gnome?” Lenore added apprehensively. She smiled nervously at him.
A short bark of laughter rumbled out of Ryker, with Brynn joining in.
“Ha! Funny. But this is a butcher’s shop,” Ryker said.
With his free hand, he slammed his knife down upon a large segment of bone.
The power of his strike sliced the bone into two clean chunks.
He tossed the rabbit down into an empty bucket below.
“Personally, this barely makes the cut for a gift for the Caernith but whatever. Ya get a star for trying, at least.”
Lenore nodded slowly, trying her hardest not to reveal the truth behind the rabbit.
“You’ll process it yerself, Nyven—”
“Huh?” Lenore gave him a bewildered look. “I don’t know how to—”
“They don’t teach ya that stuff in the cities?!” It was Ryker’s turn to look bewildered. “How the hell do ya survive there?”
“Well—”
Ryker groaned. “Just add teaching on my list, will ya? The biggest hunt is happening right now and I’m damn stressed just waiting on the mithrial!
” A long growl left him as he slammed his knife down onto the next sizable chunk of bone.
“Not only do I gotta start prepping for the Lunar Ball soon, we got orders and orders coming in from customers.”
Lenore watched the bone split into two. Curiosity spurred her to ask, “If it’s a big hunt, why aren’t you guys also taking part?”
Ryker stopped just as he tossed another bone in front of him. His knife froze mid-swing. The light of his eyes dimmed, a hush of disquiet falling over him. He turned away.
“Something like that is only for the top ranks,” Ryker muttered. “If ya ain’t the best, then forget it.” Both bone and silence were cleft through as he swung the knife downward, a resounding thud piercing Lenore’s ears. She pressed her thumbs against her index fingers, frowning softly.
Brynn hummed quietly and said, “The Duskryns worked hard to be where they are.” She turned from where she was, placing her hands on her hips. “Besides, you being the best butcher there is, you get to process the animal on the spot!”
The heavy sound of splitting bone answered her.
Brynn continued to prattle on. “We’ve all got our places and roles in the pack. The hunters are no more important than you are—”
“Oh, for the love of—nobody asked for a lecture, Brynn!” Ryker jutted his neck out, lips curled in annoyance.
As soon as he pulled his head back, his massive form disappeared—replaced by a tall, gray-haired man.
His hair was swept back, the ends reaching the base of his neck.
He matched Brynn’s attire, wearing a copper-tone apron as well.
“Well, all I’m saying is just be happy! You’re so moody nowadays. We’re all going to be celebrating together if they catch it. And for that, I’m excited! As you should be too!” Brynn grinned, then looked at Lenore. “We’re gonna be feasting good tonight!”
“Feasting?” Lenore asked. “Is that what happens when you catch a big creature out there? What is a—a mithrial exactly, by the way?”
“Stars, it’s one of the tastiest creatures out there!
” Brynn’s fangs flashed as her jaw flapped in pure excitement.
“Not just tasty, but it boasts a buuuunch of properties! The blood itself gives a good mana boost, apparently. I wouldn’t know since werewolves don’t have a natural affinity for magic.
We usually sell most of the blood at a premium to merchants—the rest we consume for ourselves.
Eating a mithrial’s flesh gives you great vitality, and makes your body feel like you just went through the best sauna out there. ”
“Sauna?” Lenore pressed a hand to her stomach. “You mean it’s going to burn hot? Do you break out in sweat?”
“No, no! Like it’s an invigorating sort of burn! You know, that burn that fires you up and detoxes you all at once?”
“Isn’t that like eating a bunch of spicy peppers?”
Brynn groaned as she shook her head. “No, nooo—”
“The more ya try to explain, the less it makes sense.” Ryker set his knife down and turned to face the others.
He crossed his arms, then pointed a finger at Lenore.
“Anyway, I’ve got specific orders for you.
In case ya don’t remember or don’t know, yer serving the upper ranks in a couple days with the other Nyvens for the Upper Moon Feast. You’ve got a couple of options—either ya hunt your share of bounty, or—”
“I pick the second option!” Lenore interrupted.
Ryker’s brow arched. “I ain’t even said the next option yet.”
Lenore shook her head, pursing her lips tight. “Doesn’t matter. I’ll pick that one.” To Lenore’s side, Brynn hid a smile behind her hand.
“Huh.” Ryker shrugged. “Second option it is!” The corner of his lips pulled into a smirk. “Yer on defeathering and processing duty. Then it’s cleaning for ya. I expect everything wiped down so clean, I can see my pearly whites shine in the reflection.”
“Did you get possessed by the Vesren, Ry?” Brynn shot him a horrified look. “She’s barely settled in!”
“Oi, it’s the equivalent to all the work the other Nyvens have already done. Way less than that, even. A little leeway since I’m nice enough to see how fresh she is.” Ryker snorted. “Ya think she can get away without lifting a finger?”